In an earlier post, I mentioned TheLadders is hosting job search-related webinars all this week. If you missed the live version, you can view an archive.

I listened to Monday and Tuesday’s sessions. The topic on Monday was “Recruiters Speak! Insider perspectives on recruiting today.” Three professionals gave insights into how their recruiting process works.

Sarah George of Wachovia said they receive between 62,000 and 65,000 applicants per month. To handle this huge volume of resumes, Wachovia has instituted an electronic system to screen out candidates who are not the best qualified. So beware of the “Resume Robot” that can disqualify you before human eyes even see your resume.

George also explained that the Wachovia culture plays an important role in the hiring process - candidates go through multiple interviews to ensure they are a good “fit” in the company culture. I have to commend them for that. It has become rather clear during my professional experience just how important culture is to a company. The culture has to be healthy, and in order for it to remain healthy, it must be nurtured and carefully guarded. Hiring the wrong candidate can adversely impact the culture.

Kent Burns of MRINETWORK (executive recruiting firm) offered some very valuable advice. Here are his Top 10 Reasons candidates don’t move forward in the hiring process:

1. Poor Resume Development (typos, grammar): You must articulate your VALUE.
2. Lack of Energy: Let them see your passion!
3. Answers are not specific: During an interview, give examples of concrete situations where you exhibited a trait.
4. Weak Value Proposition: You must differentiate yourself.
5. Can’t Build a Bridge: Bridging the company’s requirements and your skills, so they see the match.
6. Not being a “Businessperson”: You have to show you understand the business. Have an economic mindset. You can show your acumen through carefully crafted questions.
7. Can’t Articulate Desires: Know your mind; know what you want.
8. Poor Questions: It’s so important to ask good questions. Write them down so you don’t forget!
9. Not Closing: Sell and close the deal!

I found a lot of value in Kent’s Top 10 List. It was point-on. I think for me, right now, building that value proposition is critical. And then articulating it as best I can in a resume that will be scanned by a hurried recruiter/hiring manager for about 10 seconds. I have to grab their attention. And quickly.

I’ll be posting more on what I learned…so stay tuned!